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Skriven 2006-02-11 23:33:12 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0602113) for Sat, 2006 Feb 11
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Mrs. Bush's Remarks at a Book Donation
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For Immediate Release
Office of the First Lady
February 11, 2006

Mrs. Bush's Remarks at a Book Donation
University Of Turin
Turin, Italy



11:38 A.M. (Local)

MRS. BUSH: Thank you all, thank you very much. And thank you, Rector
Pelizzetti. Thank you for your warm welcome. Professor Rhoda, members of
the Academic Senate, faculty and students. It's a privilege to be at the
prestigious and beautiful University of Turin.

As a librarian, I especially admire your magnificent library, with works
dating back hundreds of years. I know you're proud of this great
collection.

We're in Turin today, of course, because of the Winter Olympics, 2006. We
saw the magnificent opening ceremony last night, and I'm so honored to have
the chance to head our delegation, the delegation from the United States to
the Winter Olympics.

I'd like to introduce you to another member of our delegation, our
Ambassador, Ron Spogli, Ambassador to Italy from the United States.
(Applause.) Five members of our delegation are Olympians, former United
States Olympians, and they didn't join me here today, but two other members
of our delegation did -- Roland Betts, who happens to be the Senior Fellow
of Yale University -- (applause) -- and Brad Freeman, who is on the
Stanford University Board. (Applause.) And then our daughter, Barbara.
(Applause.)

We've been very warmly welcomed by the people of Italy, especially here in
Turin. The Winter Olympics 2006 have found a great home here in this city.

The University of Turin has had a special relationship with Olympic
organizers. University facilities have been made available to Olympic
officials. Seminars have been held here at the University to discuss the
importance of sports in culture. And many students are volunteering to help
athletes, delegations, media and guests feel welcome. And I particularly
want to thank the American Studies students who are helping our U.S.
Mission in Italy. (Applause.)

The Olympics bring athletes from many countries who have a unique
opportunity to learn more about each other. And cultural understanding and
dialogue are also at the heart of the university experience. The American
Studies program at the University of Turin provides students a deeper
understanding of American history, literature, arts and culture. And when
your students visit America, at schools such as the City University of New
York and the University of California at Santa Barbara, American students
and citizens gain a better understanding of Italian life, language and
culture.

I encourage the students in the new Master's Degree program in American
Studies to come to the United States for a semester. Let us show you the
same hospitality that you've so kindly shown us.

I'm honored, on the occasion of the Winter Olympics 2006 in Turin, to
present a collection of American books for the American Studies program
here in Turin. This collection includes more than 200 books in American
literature, history, politics, art and music. These scholarly works and
novels and collections of poetry offer enjoyable and thought-provoking
reading. We hope that students here can deepen their understanding of the
United States and our people with this collection of books.

Our shared history and our shared values have formed a deep and abiding
friendship between Italians and Americans. The future will bring our two
peoples even closer.

Thank you for your warm welcome to Italy. May the 2006 Winter Olympics be a
great success for the people of Turin. Grazie, and God bless. (Applause.)

END 11:46 A.M. (Local)

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